Pseudomas hosts transformed with bacillus endotoxin genes

Abstract

Novel biological pesticides are prepared by introducing into a microorganism the genetic capability to produce a heterologous pesticide, wherein the microorganism is capable of proliferating in the rhizosphere or phylloplane in competition with wild-type microorganisms. A gene capable of expressing a polypeptide is introduced into the microorganism under conditions which allow for stable maintenance and expression of the gene, without significantly diminishing the ability of the microorganism to compete in the environment. Preferred microorganisms provide for the maintenance and protection from degradation of the polypeptide pesticide.

We claim: 
     
       1. A live Pseudomonad microorganism capable of occupying the phytosphere of vegetation, said microorganism comprising a heterologous gene derived from a strain of Bacillus thuringiensissaid gene is expressed in said microorganism and codes for a pesticidal polypeptide toxin. 
     
     
       2. A Pseudomonad microorganism according to claim 1, wherein said Pseudomonad is Pseudomonas fluorescens.